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Display Features
Audio Section
Radio Functions
Disc Playback
Built-in Bluetooth
USB/iPod/Aux Connectivity
Remote Control
Display Features
Detachable Face: The MEX-BT3900U features a detachable
face
for theft prevention. A face-fixing screw is supplied for making the face
non-detachable, if desired.
Note: No face case is included with this unit. An
optional soft face case (142DFC1X,
sold separately) can be purchased for this unit.
Caution Alarm: If you turn the ignition switch to the Off
position without detaching the front-panel, the caution alarm will sound for a
few seconds. The alarm will only sound if the built-in amplifier is used.
13-Segment, 1-Line LCD Display: The Sony Xplod MEX-BT3900U
features a 13-Segment, 1-line LCD display with white backlit text and a black
background for viewing station and song information.
Auto Scroll: This feature
allows long displayed items to scroll automatically across the display when the
track is changed on a disc.
Dimmer: The MEX-BT3900U feature a dimmer mode to dim
the brightness of the display. You can choose from either "Dim On" or Dim Off".
Display Illumination/Clock Display: Pressing the Source/Off
button once will switch sources. Pressing and holding the Source/Off button for
one second will turn off audio output, but the clock display and button
illumination remain on. To turn the unit off completely, you must press and hold
the Source/Off button for two seconds.
Selectable Button Illumination: The Sony MEX-BT3900U offers
selectable red or blue key illumination to complement your vehicle's interior
lighting.
Auto Off: When installing in a vehicle without an accessory power wire at the
radio location, you can set the unit to turn off all lighting a
set amount of time after you turn the power off. The Auto Off feature can be set to 30 seconds, 30 minutes,
60 minutes, or No.
Audio Section
True Fidelity Sound Construction: The Sony Xplod MEX-BT3900U
CD receiver features a newly developed
sound processor for less distortion, an S-MOSFET IC for smooth signal
transmission, and a large-sized capacitor for deep bass sound.
Dynamic Reality Amp: The MEX-BT3900U is equipped with Sony's
Dynamic Reality Amp to produce 3 dimensional sound staging for more realistic
sound inside your vehicle.
24 Bit D/A Converter: The Sony MEX-BT3900U utilizes a 24-bit
digital to analog converter for superior CD sound quality.
CEA2006 Compliant Amplifier: The power specifications for
the Sony Xplod MEX-BT3900U are compliant with the CEA2006 Mobile Amplifier Power
Testing and Measurement standards from the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA).
These standards were developed as a way to equitably compare power specs from
model to model and between manufacturers. The power output specs for the
MEX-BT3900U are as follows:
- Continuous Power Output: 17 watts RMS x 4 channels (at 4 ohms,
20Hz-20kHz, 1% THD-N)
- Peak Power Output: 52 watts x 4-channels (208 total watts)
Three Pairs Of 2V Preamp Outputs: The MEX-BT3900U contains
three pairs of 2-volt RCA preamp outputs - a front channel pair, rear channel
pair, and subwoofer channel pair. The front and rear channel preamp outputs can
be faded. The subwoofer preamp output is non-fading.
Subwoofer Controls: The unit's subwoofer features a low pass
filter with a selectable cut-off frequency of 50Hz, 60Hz, 80Hz, 100Hz, 100Hz,
120Hz, or Off. You can also adjust the slope (1/2/3) of the high-pass crossover.
You can adjust the subwoofer preamp output's volume level independently from the
head unit's volume control from -10 to +10 in 1dB increments. In addition, you
can select the phase of the subwoofer output from Normal or Reverse.
High-Pass Filter: The front and rear speaker outputs offer a
selectable high-pass crossover frequency of 50Hz, 60Hz, 80Hz, 100Hz, 100Hz,
120Hz, or Off. You can also adjust the slope (1/2/3) of the high-pass crossover.
Advanced Sound Engine: Sony's Advanced Sound Engine creates
an ideal in-car sound field with digital signal processing. Advanced Sound
Engine contains the following features: EQ7, Listening Position, DM+ Advanced,
Rear Bass Enhancer, and Dynamic Loudness.
- EQ7: You can select an equalizer curve from eight music
types - Xplod, Vocal, Edge, Cruise, Space, Gravity, Custom, or Off (Flat).
The Custom EQ7 mode allows you to make your own equalizer settings. You
can adjust the level (+/-6dB) of seven different frequency bands - Band1
(63Hz), Band2 (160Hz), Band3 (400Hz), Band4 (1kHz), Band5 (2.5khz), Band6
(6.3khz), and Band7 (16.0kHz).
- Listening Position: This unit can change the
localization of sound by delaying the sound output from each speaker to suit
your position, and simulate a natural sound field with the feeling of being
in the center of it wherever you sit in the car. You can choose from Front
Right, Front Left, Front Center, or Off. You can also set the subwoofer
distance of the subwoofer to Near, Normal, or Far
- RBE (Rear Bass Enhancer): RBE enhances the bass sound
by applying the low-pass filter setting to the rear speakers. This function
allows the rear speakers to work as a subwoofer even if there is no
subwoofer connected.
- Dynamic Loudness: Dynamic Loudness refers to
compensating for volume level and signal gain.
- DM+ Advanced: DM+ Advanced improves digitally
compressed sound by restoring high frequencies lost in the compression
process (works only for USB).
Beep Tone: The in-dash head unit provides an audible beep to
confirm button operation. This function can be turned On or Off.
Radio Functions
SSIR-EXA AM/FM Tuner with RDS: The Sony MEX-BT3900U features
a built-in SSIR-EXA AM/FM Tuner with RDS. Radio Data System (RDS) feature
displays radio broadcast information such as artist, title, and album when
listening to compatible AM/FM stations. The MEX-BT3900U offers manual, seek and
preset tuning.
Preset Tuning: The radio features 5 memory bands to store
and receive AM/FM stations. You can store up to 6 presets each in FM1, FM2, FM3,
AM1 and AM2 (total: 18 FM/12 AM). Preset tuning can be done manually or
automatically.
- Best Tuning Memory (BTM): This feature selects stations
with the best signals within the selected band and stores them in order of
their frequency. You can select from FM1, FM2, FM3, AM1, and AM2.
- Manual Tuning: You can manually tune and find your
favorite radio stations one by one for FM1, FM2, FM3, AM1, and AM2.
Local Seek Mode: In the Local Seek Mode, the unit will only
tune in stations with very strong signals during Seek tuning.
Mono Mode: The Mono Mode allows you improve poor FM
reception by selecting a monaural signal instead of a stereo signal.
HD Radio Ready: The MEX-BT3900U is compatible with Sony's
optional XT-100HD add-on HD Tuner (158XT100HD, sold separately) through its UniLink Bus
connection. HD Radio technology, where available, offers higher quality sound
than conventional analog broadcasts and receives text data. HD Radio provides FM
broadcasts that are equal to CD sound quality and AM broadcasts that are as good
as analog FM stereo broadcasts. HD Radio also provides a variety of data,
including station name, song title, artist name, album name, etc. Once
connected, all AM and FM broadcasts are received by the XT-100HD. HD appears as
an additional source, with five preset banks; HD1 (FM1), HD2 (FM2), HD3 (FM3),
HD4 (AM1), and HD5 (AM2). In addition to conventional broadcasts, with HD Radio
broadcasting it is possible to choose from up to 8 multicast programs (HD1 to
HD8 and analog). There are also data programs for each program.
Note: Right now there are about 2,000 radio stations broadcasting
using digital HD Radio technology in the U.S. To find HD Radio stations in
your area, visit the HD Radio website (HDRadio.com).
Satellite Radio Ready: There are several options for
connecting an optional satellite radio receiver to this head unit:
- SIRIUS Satellite Radio: To receive SIRIUS Satellite
Radio, you can connect the optional SCC1 SiriusConnect Vehicle Tuner and the
optional Sony SNYSC1 interface module (package item number
700SIRSONY, sold separately). You can also connect select dock-and-play
and portable SIRIUS radios to the head unit via the Sony SNYSC1 interface
module (607SNYSC1,
sold separately) and the SiriusConnect Plug & Play Dock (607SCVDOC1,
sold separately).
- XM Satellite: A portable XM satellite radio receiver
can be connected to the head unit via the auxiliary input.
Note: A subscription is also
required to receive satellite radio programming
from SIRIUS or XM.
Disc Playback
Disc Compatibility: The unit features a single disc player
that will playback CD-Audio, CD-Text, and finalized CD-R/CD-RW audio discs.
MP3/WMA/AAC Playback: The Sony MEX-BT3900U allows you to
playback CD-Rs or CD-RWs loaded with MP3, WMA, or AAC songs (up to 320 kbps)
recorded in ISO 9660 level 1 or 2, Joliet/Romeo, or Multi-Session. The
MEX-BT3900U can support up 150 folders, and a combined 300 folders and files on
a disc. The head unit will also display song information for MP3, WMA, and AAC
music files (Joliet: up to 32 characters, Romeo: up to 64 characters).
Note: Not all MP3, WMA, AAC files may playback due to
file variations. Copyright protected ACC-LC files cannot be played back.
Compressed Audio Display Information: The CD receiver can
display the following CD-TEXT or ID3/WMA-tag information - Track number, Elapsed
Playing Time, Song Title, Artist Name, or Album Label.
Quick-BrowZer: The unit's Quick-BrowZer feature allow you to
search for a track on a MP3/WMA/AAC disc
easily by category (Genre, Artist, Album, or Playlist).
Jump Mode: Jump Mode gets you closer to the song you want by
allowing you to fast forward through a music category in 10 percent increments.
Zappin: With the Zappin feature, you can play music (files
or folders) in 6, 15, or 30-second clips until you find the song you are looking
for on your CD.
Off Insert/Eject: A CD disc can be inserted or ejected with
the power off. The CD player will automatically reinsert the disc if it's
ejected, but not removed for 20 seconds or more.
Auto Playback: The head unit will automatically begin disc
playback, when a disc is inserted with the receiver set to a different source or
powered off.
Mounting Angle: For proper CD playback, this unit must be
mounted between 0 (horizontal) and 45 degrees
Built-in Bluetooth
Bluetooth Technology: Bluetooth is a two-way wireless
communication system allowing you to make and receive cell phone calls, and
listen to a Bluetooth audio device. Bluetooth wireless technology operates on a
2.4GHZ frequency band within a range of about 10 meters (about 33 feet).
Bluetooth Communication: The Sony Xplod MEX-BT3900U has
built-in Bluetooth (ver. 2.1 + EDR) hardware to integrate with Bluetooth-enabled
cellular phones and audio players. The MEX-BT3900U supports a wide variety of
Bluetooth profiles, including HFP (Hands-Free Profile), OPP (Object Push
Profile), PBAP (Phone Book Access Profile), A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution
Profile), and AVRCP (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile), so you can get the
most from your Bluetooth-enabled devices.
- HFP 1.5 (Hands-Free Profile): Hands-free communication with
your Bluetooth enabled cellular phone in the vehicle (incoming/outgoing
calls supported).
- OPP (Object Push Profile): Phonebook transfer from your
Bluetooth enabled mobile phone to the head unit.
- PBAP (Phone Book Access Profile): Phonebook access from
your Bluetooth enabled cell-phone to the head unit.
- A2DP 1.2 (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile): Music
streaming from your Bluetooth enabled phone or audio player to the head unit.
- AVRCP 1.3 (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile): Basic music
playback control of your Bluetooth enabled phone or audio player from the
head unit.
Pairing: Up to 9 phones or audio devices can be registered with the
MEX-BT3900U (only one device can be used at a time). The unit can be set to
automatically reconnect to the last connected Bluetooth device when the ignition
is turned on.
Note: Not all Bluetooth mobile phones will be
compatible. Please visit
the
Sony eSupport website for a complete list of compatible Bluetooth enabled
phones.
Hands-Free Talk (HFP 1.5/OPP/PBAP):
The Sony MEX-BT3900U supports Bluetooth hands-free communication for your
Bluetooth enabled cell-phone. Incoming calls can be answered manually or
automatically through this head unit, while the ring tone is output from your car
speakers and the caller's name or phone number is displayed on the head unit's
LCD. Incoming calls can also be rejected if desired. The MEX-BT3900U has a
built-in microphone located behind the detachable faceplate to carry on your side of the
conversation. During a conversation, you can switch between the Private Mode
(talking directly on your cell phone) and the Hands Free Mode. Using the
MEX-BT3900U, you can dial a phone number in one of the following ways:
- Entering Phone #: Allows you to manually dial a phone
number using the unit's control dial.
- Preset Dial: You can store up
to 6 contacts in the preset dial for quick dialing.
- Phone Book: You can store up
to 300 contacts in the unit's phone book. Up to a 40 character name can be
input for each contact.
- Call History: The unit will
store the last 20 calls, allowing you to select a previous phone number
quickly from the list.
- Voice Dial: You can make a
call using the voice tags stored on your connected cellular phone.
Optional External Microphone: The Sony XAMC10 (158XAMC10,
sold separately) is an external microphone which can be connected to the
MEX-BT3900U's rear-panel Mic input. The XAMC10 external microphone provides
better performance in noisy environments than the integrated microphone found on
the front-panel of the Sony head unit. The microphone features an attached
13' cord terminated by a right-angle male 3.5mm connector which plugs into the
microphone input on the rear chassis of the Sony head unit. The microphone also
includes an adjustable sun-visor clip and a self-adhesive dash mount for
mounting the external microphone in your vehicle.
Music Streaming (A2DP 1.2/AVRCP 1.3): You can listen to music from an audio device that supports A2DP Bluetooth
technology. Cellular phones that support A2DP and have music stored in its
memory can be played through this head unit. You can listen to and perform basic
playback operations from an audio device that supports AVRCP Bluetooth
technology. The MEX-BT3900U provides Play/Pause, Fast Forward/Reverse, Skip
(Previous/Next), and Repeat/Shuffle playback functions.
Volume Adjustment: You can adjust
the volume for each connected Bluetooth audio device from -8 to +18dB.
USB/iPod/Aux Connectivity
USB Port: The receiver's front-panel Type-A USB port can be
used for plugging in a (MSC) Mass Storage Class or MTP (Media Transfer Protocol)
type USB device. The head unit can play music files stored on the USB device in
MP3, WMA, or AAC formats (up to 320 kbps). The head unit can recognize up to 128
folders with 500 tracks each when connected to a USB Mass Storage Device. The
MEX-BT3900U offers the following USB search, playback, and display functions:
- Search Modes:
- Quick-BrowZer: allows you to search for a track on
a connected USB device easily by category (Genre, Artist, Album, or
Playlist)
- Jump Mode: gets you closer to the song you want by
allowing you to fast forward through a music category in 10 percent
increments
- Zappin: play music (files or folders) in 6, 15, or
30-second clips until you find the song you are looking for on your
connected USB device
- Playback Modes:
- Repeat: repeat a single track or repeat an entire
album
- Random: plays all tracks on the drive or the tracks of a specific album
in random order
- Display Information:
- Numeric Text: track number and elapsed playing time
- Alphanumeric Text: song title, artist name, and
album label
Note: This unit cannot recognize USB devices via a
USB hub. Not all MP3, WMA, AAC files may playback due to file
variations. Copyright protected ACC-LC files cannot be played back.
USB 1-Wire iPod/iPhone Control: The MEX-BT3900U's front-panel
USB port allows you to connect your iPod/iPhone via a single cable (iPod dock
connector-to-USB cable; not included with the head unit). This USB 1-Wire for
iPod/iPhone connection lets you directly connect, charge, and control select
iPod/iPhones via the USB jack on the front of the unit, as well as view metadata
like song title and artist on the front display.
- USB Connection: The USB connection allows your iPod/iPhone's
stored music to be loaded instantly to the head unit and sound quality to be
maximized through the head unit's 24-bit D/A converter, allowing for a Signal
to Noise ratio up to 120dB.
- Audio Playback: The Sony head unit supports audio
playback of music files stored on your iPod or iPhone.
- Music Navigation: You can choose to control the iPod/iPhone
from the head unit or from your iPod/iPhone's clickwheel or touchscreen. You
can browse your iPod/iPhone's music library by Artist, Album, Song, Genre,
Playlist, or Podcast. In addition you can search within each category
alphabetically. You can also select random and repeat functions for specific
songs, playlists, or categories.
- Information Display: The head unit will also display
your iPod/iPhone's music file information, including - Track number, Elapsed
playing time, Song Title, Artist Name, and Album Title.
- Charging: While connected and the ignition switch is
set to ACC or ON, the head unit's USB connection will power and charge your
iPod/iPhone.
Note: If your iPod/iPhone has no initial battery charge,
then this unit will not recognize it.
iPod/iPhone Compatibility Chart: The Sony MEX-BT3900U is "Made
for iPod/iPhone" compatible and supports the following iPod/iPhone model
features (as of February 2011):
|
iPod/iPhone Model |
Generation |
Tested Version |
Media Type |
Control Type |
Display Type |
Charge |
|
Audio |
Video |
Headunit |
iPod/iPhone |
Song/Artist Text |
Track Info |
|
dock connector |
3rd |
N/A |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
clickwheel
color |
4th |
N/A |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
|
mini |
1st |
N/A |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
| 2nd |
N/A |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
|
video |
5th |
1.3 |
Y |
N |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
classic |
80GB |
1.1.2 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
120GB |
2.0.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
160GB |
2.0.4 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
nano |
1st |
1.3.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
2nd |
1.1.3 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
3rd |
1.1.3 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
4th |
1.0.4 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
5th |
1.0.2 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
6th |
1.0 PC |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
touch |
1st |
2.2.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
2nd |
4.2.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
3rd |
4.2.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
4th |
4.2.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
iPhone |
2G |
3.1.2 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
3G |
3.1.2 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
3GS |
3.1.2 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
4 |
4.0 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Note: Apple iPod/iPhone software updates may
change functionality results. If you download a newer software
version, you may need to reset the head unit and your iPod/iPhone to
regain functionality. If this doesn't work, you may need to revert
to the older software version or wait until a newer software update
is available.
Front-Panel Auxiliary Input: A front panel stereo 3.5mm mini-jack is provided to allow the connection of a portable
audio source. Just connect your portable digital music player to this unit,
and you can listen to the audio from the portable player through the speakers in
your mobile audio system. The volume level of the auxiliary input is adjustable
from -8 to +18 dB to compensate for any difference between the unit and your
portable device. The aux input can be deactivated in the menu, so it does not appear as an available source.
Remote Control
Wireless Remote Control: The
head unit comes supplied with an IR wireless remote control (RM-X172) for easy
operation. The included wireless remote allows you to control the basic
functions (including Bluetooth) of the Sony Xplod head unit while keeping your eyes on the road.
Steering Wheel Remote Compatibility: The head unit features
an OEM steering wheel remote control input on the rear of the unit to allow you
to keep your vehicle's radio steering wheel remote controls when used with the
optional PAC SWI-PS Steering Wheel Control Interface Adapter (127SWIPS,
sold separately); or the optional Metra ASWC Steering Wheel Control Interface
Adapter (120ASWC,
sold separately).
Note: Please consult the
Crutchfield Car Selector to see if your vehicle is compatible.
